How Much Does an Electrician Cost in the UK?

When planning electrical work for your North London home or business, one of the most important questions you’ll have is simple: how much does it cost to hire an electrician? Whether you need a new light fitting, consumer unit upgrades, or a full electrical rewiring project, understanding costs upfront is vital to avoid unexpected expenses.

At RCD Electrical, we are proud to be NICEIC-certified electricians, providing professional, safe, and affordable services across North London. Our focus is always on clear communication, transparent pricing, and high-quality workmanship. In this guide, we’ll break down the typical costs of hiring an electrician in London, factors that affect pricing, and why residents in areas like Camden, Islington, Barnet, Finchley, and Enfield trust us for everything from small jobs to large-scale projects.

Typical Electrician Costs in the UK

The cost of electrical services varies depending on several factors, but generally speaking, most electricians in the UK charge between £40 and £100 per hour, with domestic work averaging around £50–£75 per hour.

However, in London — particularly North London — prices tend to sit at the higher end due to increased demand and higher living costs. At RCD Electrical, we aim to provide a balance of affordability and quality, with hourly rates starting at £60 for standard jobs.

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

• Basic repairs (e.g., fixing a socket or light fitting): £60–£75.

• Fault finding electrical work: £60–£100 per hour, depending on complexity.

• Electrical rewiring for a three-bedroom house: £3,000–£6,000.

• Consumer unit (fuse box) upgrade: £400–£800.

• Lighting upgrades (LED, smart lighting, etc.): £100–£250 per room.

• Emergency call-outs (evenings/weekends): £80–£150 per hour. At RCD Electrical, we provide 24/7 support starting at £90 per hour, with clear, upfront quotes.

Fault Finding Electrical: The Most Common Service

One of the most frequent requests we receive at RCD Electrical is for fault finding electrical issues. This process involves identifying the root cause of electrical problems such as:

• Tripping circuits.

• Flickering lights.

• Power outages in certain areas of a property.

• Damaged sockets or switches.

Older North London homes often contain wiring that no longer meets modern safety standards. As a result, faults are more common in boroughs like Islington, Camden, and Enfield.

Using advanced diagnostic tools, our team pinpoints problems quickly, saving you both time and money. By addressing the cause — not just the symptom — we ensure long-term safety and reliability.

Typical costs for fault finding electrical work begin at £60 per hour, with most issues resolved within one or two hours.

Electrical Rewiring: When and Why It’s Needed

Another major service we provide is electrical rewiring, which is often necessary in homes more than 25–30 years old. Rewiring replaces outdated or unsafe wiring with new, modern systems capable of handling today’s demand for electricity.

Signs Your Home May Need Rewiring

• Frequent tripping of the consumer unit.

• Discoloured or burnt sockets.

• Persistent burning smells from outlets.

• Lack of sockets (a clue the system is outdated).

• Aluminium wiring (unsafe and outdated compared to copper).

Cost of Electrical Rewiring

The price depends on the size of the property:

• One-bedroom flat: £2,500–£4,000.

• Three-bedroom house: £3,000–£6,000.

• Large properties (five bedrooms+): £7,000 upwards.

While this may seem like a significant investment, rewiring provides long-term safety, compliance with UK regulations (BS 7671 Wiring Regulations), and even increases property value.

Factors That Affect Electrician Costs

Not every electrical job is priced the same. Costs are influenced by several factors:

1. Qualifications & Certifications
   Hiring a NICEIC-certified electrician ensures your work complies with strict safety standards. While certified electricians may cost more, the peace of mind is invaluable.

2. Job Complexity
   Simple tasks such as replacing a socket are inexpensive compared to more complex jobs like electrical rewiring or installing a new consumer unit.

3. Timing
   Emergency or after-hours jobs are naturally more expensive. If possible, schedule non-urgent work during regular hours.

4. Location
   In North London, higher living costs and demand mean rates are above the UK average.

5. Materials and Additional Fees
   Costs for wiring, fittings, or parking may be added. At RCD Electrical, these are clearly included in your estimate to avoid surprises.

Why Choose RCD Electrical?

Choosing the right electrician can be challenging. Here’s why homeowners and businesses across North London trust us:

• Local Expertise: Based in North London, we know the unique challenges of older properties and modern builds alike.

• Qualified Professionals: All work is carried out by City & Guilds Level 3 qualified and NICEIC-certified electricians.

• Transparent Pricing: Rates start at £60/hour, with fixed-price quotes for larger projects.

• Emergency Services: Available 24/7 for urgent repairs and emergencies.

• Warranties & Guarantees: All work comes with a warranty for peace of mind.

• Customer Service: We prioritise communication, honesty, and reliability.

Tips to Save on Electrical Work

Here are some ways to get the best value for your money:

1. Get Multiple Quotes – Always compare electricians, but remember qualifications matter more than the cheapest rate.

2. Book Non-Urgent Jobs in Advance – Scheduling during standard working hours saves money.

3. Choose Fixed Pricing – For larger jobs like electrical rewiring, a fixed quote is often more cost-effective.

4. Regular Maintenance – Prevent faults by having routine inspections.

5. Hire Certified Professionals – Work carried out by unqualified individuals often leads to more expensive repairs later.

Emergency Electrical Services in North London

When electrical problems occur outside of normal working hours, they can pose significant risks. Whether it’s sparking sockets, a complete power outage, or burning smells, immediate help is essential.

At RCD Electrical, we provide 24/7 emergency services starting at £90 per hour. Our rapid response ensures faults are identified and resolved safely, any time of day or night.

Conclusion

Hiring an electrician in North London doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. From fault finding electrical problems to complete electrical rewiring, costs vary depending on the complexity of the work, but with RCD Electrical, you’re guaranteed transparent pricing, expert service, and total peace of mind.

If you’re in Camden, Islington, Finchley, Enfield, or anywhere in North London, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.

 Call 02034882928 or visit our website to learn more. With RCD Electrical, your property is always in safe hands.